• START HERE!
    • ABOUT CARLY
    • CONTACT
  • FASHION
  • BODY POSITIVITY
  • GIRL POWER
  • SD LIFE
  • DISNEY
  • SHOP MY INSTAGRAM
  • SHOP MY FAVES

Lipgloss and Crayons

Parenting

How To Potty Train A Toddler Without Losing Your Cool

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website. This post may also contain items gifted for consideration.

Learn how to potty train a toddler in Three Days without losing your cool when you follow my tried and true tips!
Lifestyle blogger Lipgloss & Crayons shares How To Potty Train A Toddler in Three Days without losing your cool when you follow my tried and true tips!

Ok.  We did it.  And it wasn’t AS BAD as I thought it would be.  We potty trained our daughter in three days.  I have to be honest, I avoided potty training as much as possible.  Diapers really aren’t THAT BAD, right?  But, Lydia recently turned three and I knew we had to bite the bullet.  After a bit of research, I put together all my teacher / behavior management tips and tricks and assembled a plan for how to potty train a toddler.  And, IT WORKED!  We potty trained Lydia in three days.

How to Potty Train a Toddler in Three Days

 

Supplies Needed:

toddler potty

potty training seat

fancy underwear

high interest prizes

potty training chart (free printable)

pull ups for night and naps

potty training watch (optional — but a few of my friends SWORE by it)

Signs of Potty Readiness:

A few things to remember, before a certain age children can’t control their bladders or bowel movements.  Most people potty train between 2 and 3 1/2 years.

Before trying to potty train, your child should be demonstrating at least SOME of these signs:

  • can walk and run steadily
  • regularly has dry diapers
  • bowel movements are on a somewhat consistent schedule
  • can remove his or her own pants and diaper
  • demonstrates interest in the bathroom and underwear

For us? Our daughter showed all of these signs EXCEPT interest in the potty.  In fact, she told me that she didn’t care about the potty at ALL and that we could “just keep changing her”.  It’s one of the reasons we waited until she turned three to potty train and something we discussed extensively with the teachers at her daycare.  We (and they) noticed that she demonstrated every other sign of potty readiness, including interest in wearing underwear.  So we decided it was time to bite the bullet.

Preparing to Start:

Spend a week or so TALKING up the idea.  It is time for your child to be a “big kid”.  This is an exciting step.  We bought fancy underwear about two weeks before d-day, and let our daughter look at them.  We showed her the potty chart we created and talked about what prizes she would earn when she filled the chart (for her it was a Disney Princess dress).  By the time it all started, she was pretty pumped.

Lifestyle blogger Lipgloss & Crayons shares How To Potty Train A Toddler in Three Days without losing your cool when you follow my tried and true tips!<click here to print your own potty training chart>

[bctt tweet=”Potty training a toddler in three days? These simple tips will tell you how!” via=”no”]

The Plan:

Starting the morning of Day One…..that’s it. No more diapers or pull-ups except at nap or nighttime.  Yes, I’m serious.  Why? Because your toddler needs to experience what it feels like to be WET.  Up until now, they’ve probably never even noticed when they pee or poop.  Because those diapers caught everything.  They didn’t have to pay attention.  Prepare yourself.  There WILL be accidents.  Your goal? To be calm and positive (even though there’s pee all over your floor).  Remember that this is a process, and your child is learning something new.  The goal is that your child starts to notice what it feels like to need to use the restroom, and that they TRY to use the potty.

Our Process on Day One:

We started our day, and began the process.  We pulled out ALLLLLL the big girl underwear, and Lydia selected her favorite pair (for the first day she just wore underwear and a shirt).  We pulled out our potty training chart and reminded her that she got to color in a crown every time she put pee or poop in the potty.  Our reward system had a couple of “levels”.  We ordered a BUNCH of small Disney figurines (they’re her favorite).  We lined them all up, and told her every time she put pee or poop in the potty she would earn one and color a crown.  Then once she filled up the WHOLE crown chart, she’d get her princess dress.  Why? Because filling an entire behavior chart is a LOT for a toddler.  She needed something that had instant gratification and a larger goal.  The short term prize can be as simple as a small piece or candy or a sticker, we just pulled out the big guns and selected something we knew she would try hard to earn.

For ALL of day one, we set a timer to go off every twenty minutes.  Every twenty minutes we walked Lydia to the bathroom and tried the potty.  To be honest, some of those times, she wasn’t very happy about going.  And she still had accidents.  She peed on the floor six times.  Every time she TRIED the potty, we praised her and made a BIG deal out of it.  When she peed in the potty, you’d think she’d graduated from Harvard.  By the end of day one, we’d only had two successes and I was starting to doubt my plan.

Our Experience on Day Two:

After reading a million how to potty train a toddler articles the night before, I felt ready to jump in again on day two.  Every single article I read stated that day one contained a LOT of accidents.  Day two, we reviewed the potty training chart again.  We set the timer for every twenty minutes.  Mid-way through the morning, Lydia stopped playing and announced on her own that she needed to use the potty. And she DID.  Day two was a mixed bag, we had SOME accidents, but not as many.  We had way more successes and it was clear that she was starting to understand the feeling of needing to use the bathroom.

Our Experience on Day Three:

The light went on! Want to know how many accidents we had on day three? ONE.  At this point, we stopped walking Lydia to the potty and started asking her every 30 minutes if she needed to use the potty.  Once we saw that she could feel the signs, we wanted her to start to take herself to the restroom.

Lydia went back to school the next day, and had NO accidents.  She was able to tell her teachers when she needed to use the bathroom.  And we’ve even ventured out into the world (ha)!  One thing that has helped us a LOT, Lydia is very small for her age and I was worried about the size of the toilets in public restrooms.  At a friends’ suggestion, we bought a foldable potty seat to put on the public toilets.  It creates a smaller hole, and Lydia feels MUCH more comfortable.

Shop Potty Training Must Haves:

Resources:

  • 25 Free Potty Training Printables
  • how to potty train in three days by the garcia diaries — I love her printable if you want something a little less princess-y
  • how to potty train a boy
  •  daniel goes to the potty — this book was a HUGE hit

And there you have it, how to potty train a toddler in three days.  Have you potty trained your child? Leave any tips, tricks or questions in the comments!

parenting toddlers

5 Comments

Subscribe to L&C Weekly!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Bernadette at Mom+Carrot says

    January 26, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    I needed this article today! We just started potty training my 2 year old daughter. We can get her to use the potty right after bath but we haven’t gone cold turkey on the diapers yet so it is hit or miss during the day. I will try the no diaper tip next week. Also, I love the idea of having her color something whenever she successfully uses the potty. We have tried stickers but I think I will switch to coloring to make the process feel new again. Thanks for the tips

    Reply
    • carly says

      January 26, 2017 at 3:53 pm

      I can’t wait to hear how it goes, keep me posted!

      Reply
  2. Krystal Sadler says

    January 29, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    I love these tips! The little Minni Mouse toilet is adorable, too. Thanks for sharing with us at Share the Wealth Sundays!

    Reply
  3. rochella says

    January 31, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    My daughter has this exact potty. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  4. Linda S says

    February 3, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    Congratulations on potty training success! That is a HUGE milestone, for everyone!
    It’s one of my least-favorite mommy tasks. Sounds like you did a great job following through with your plan and cueing in to your daughter’s readiness.

    Reply
Previous Red Berry Pomegranate Punch
Next Community Service Ideas for February: A Printable Calendar for Your Whole Family

Related Posts

Age Appropriate Chores for Preschoolers

13 Pictures to Take This School Year

Teacher Gifts We Actually WANT

Back to School:Tips for Making the First Day Easy

Primary Sidebar

Search

NEW? START HERE

DISCLAIMER

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

🪞 Reminder: You at the Model that Your Kids Wan 🪞 Reminder: You at the Model that Your Kids Want to Look Like……. 🪞⠀
⠀
🪞Remember those magazine models we all wanted to look JUST LIKE? What if we looked at ourselves the way the teenage us looked at them? What if we curated our feeds here to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes?  What if…….we celebrated beauty in every roll, dimple and wrinkle? What if we reminded ourselves that……there isn’t one type of beauty? And celebrated it in ourselves and each other?⠀
⠀
🪞This is dedicated to my pre-teen and teen self who cut out Calvin Klein and CK One ads to paper my walls and a reminder that she was, and is……stunning just the way she is. ⠀
⠀
alternate caption: nothing gets between me and my calvins (I had to, ha)! ⠀
⠀
#troopselflove
🎠But what do you do if there aren’t rides?!?! 🎠But what do you do if there aren’t rides?!?!?🎠⠀
⠀
✨Here we go: a ton of fun things to do when visiting Downtown Disney + Buena Vista Street with Kids RIGHT NOW:⠀
⠀
✨check out the fun interactive light displays inside of World of Disney⠀
✨grab pizza at Naples (Lydia loves the kids’ cheese)⠀
✨Check out the art in Off the Page⠀
✨Taste taste the latest beignets at Jazz Kitchen⠀
✨Watch the train go around the Candy Mountain in the window at Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street⠀
✨Earl of Sandwich also has a great kids menu⠀
✨check out the Lego Store displays⠀
✨Cast Members sometimes have little white boards with Disney Trivia keep your eyes open for them⠀
✨Watch the caramel apples being made through the window at Marcelines⠀
✨Visit ALLLLL the fountains⠀
✨Look for Hidden Mickeys (there are some in Downtown Disney and some on Buena Vista Street)⠀
⠀
🎠Important Disneyland news as of TODAY: Buena Vista Street will remain open as an extension of the Downtown Disney District through March 14, and will be closed beginning March 15. Beginning March 18, Buena Vista Street will become part of A Touch of Disney.  A Touch of Disney, is an all new limited-capacity ticketed experience that begins March 18 at DCA. There will be Disney ood and beverages, characters, merch and special photo spots (you can see more info about this in my stories or on the Disney Parks Blog). ⠀
⠀
✨What are YOUR favorite things to do at Downtown Disney right now????⠀
⠀
#DowntownDisney⠀
 @DisneyParksBlog⠀
#disneyland⠀
#dca ⠀
#disneycaliforniaadventure⠀
HOSTED
I did it.⠀ ⠀ 🛏I spent Saturday night blissf I did it.⠀
⠀
🛏I spent Saturday night blissfully alone at a local hotel.  And now? I want to talk about it.  I was floored by the varied reactions when I mentioned doing this last week.  A lot of people seemed to love the idea, but a solid amount? Asked why.  Said it was a waste.  Said it was “too much”. So let’s unpack that.⠀
⠀
🛏First of all, of course different things are of value to different people.  This may not be of value to you and that is OK.  For me? After a year of staying at home here in California (and yes, it’s still going here with full time virtual school for Lydia)…..I felt like I needed an evening alone to decompress, to rest, and to be more present for my family.  I watched a million episodes of Scandal (how did I never watch this show??), got take out delivered, slept in, and it MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.⠀
⠀
🛏Does it make me a bad mother? A bad wife? Irresponsible with money or time? To spend an evening alone? That’s sort of what society tells us, right? And truth be told, I almost cancelled.  Was it too much? Was I being dramatic? Or ridiculous?  But the refreshed me today? Says it was just what I needed.⠀
⠀
🛏This is your daily dose of encouragement to take care of yourself and put your oxygen mask on first so you can truly be present for those you love.  I promise, it makes a difference. #troopselflove
💕Are you Being Kind to YOURSELF?💕⠀ ⠀ ❤ 💕Are you Being Kind to YOURSELF?💕⠀
⠀
❤️It’s Random Acts of Kindness Day…..and I have a question for you…….when was the last time you did an act of kindness for YOURSELF?⠀
⠀
💕I was talking on stories the other day about booking a hotel room to get away for a night this weekend.  ALONE.  The reaction was mixed.  Some said it was a great idea. Some said it was selfish or unnecessary. But, what if it’s simply to do something for myself?  What if it leaves me refreshed and more able to show up for those I love? That’s what kindness to yourself does.⠀
⠀
❤️I know, we can’t all escape for a night.  So these? Some easy acts of kindness that may work in your life and schedule:⠀
💕watch a show you love alone ⠀
💕take a long, relaxing bath with fancy bubbles⠀
💕go for a walk⠀
💕phone a friend⠀
💕pick up takeout for yourself and eat it ALONE at a beach or park⠀
💕take yourself out to coffee⠀
💕make time to move your body in a way that feeds your soul⠀
⠀
❤️Suggestions? What are your favorite ways to treat yourself? #troopselflove
💕 Love At First Sight: Universal Standard Givea 💕 Love At First Sight: Universal Standard Giveaway 💕⠀
⠀
❤️The season of love isn’t over yet! Y’all have been LOVING the Universal Standard Mystery Box sale (warning it’s only lasting a few more days)…..and for me? It’s been an amazing way to dive into learning more about this phenomenal size inclusive brand.⠀
⠀
💕If you are looking for high quality pieces that you’ll wear year after year, Universal Standard is PERFECT.⠀
⠀
❤️Universal Standard gifted a Luxe Mystery Box to me before the sale started so that I could try it out and now……THEY’RE GIVING A LUXE MYSTERY BOX TO ONE OF YOU!⠀
⠀
💕Reminder: Mystery Boxes are curated for your taste and needs, so you’ll get to fill out your survey if you purchase one, or if you’re the winner!⠀
⠀
To Enter:⠀
1️⃣Like and Save This Post⠀
2️⃣Follow Me and @universalstandard⠀
3️⃣Comment with what type of item you’d love to receive if you win: dresses? Shirts? jackets? Pants?⠀
4️⃣Bonus Entries: Tag a Friend Who’d Love This Too or Share This Post to Your Stories (each tag or share counts as an entry)⠀
⠀
❤️If you want to snag a box on your own (they are selling out!) you can use code lipglossandcrayons10 for an extra 10% off!⠀
⠀
💕Winner will be chosen at random on 2/16/21 and will be notified by direct message.  This giveaway is not sponsored by, administered by, or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age and US residents and release Instagram of responsibility.
💕You know those days? You’ve been doing the w 💕You know those days? You’ve been doing the work, and most day, you feel pretty good about yourself.  You’re proud of your body.  You are thankful for her.  But…..what about the days when you and your body just aren’t getting along? 💕⠀
⠀
5 Things to Do That Will Instantly Elevate Your Body Image:⠀
⠀
1️⃣Put on Your Favorite Dress / Pants / Outfit: What do you feel your BEST in? Formal gown? Wear it around the house. Leather pants? Yes please.  Take the sweats off (I know, I love mine too) and I promise, your mood will change.⠀
2️⃣Move Your Body In A Way That Reminds You How Bad A$s It Is: Walk, run, skip, bike, swim.  It’s an amazing reminder of the tool that carries us through life.⠀
3️⃣Write a Love Note To Yourself: Yup, I’m serious.  5 things you love about your body.  Each on a post it.  Put them on every mirror in your house.⠀
4️⃣Text Compliments: Text compliments to five friends.  Right now.  Tell them something beautiful about their appearance and something beautiful about their SOUL.  Positive words to others remind our brains to use them with ourselves.⠀
5️⃣Take Photos: Seriously, this might be counterintuitive but…..get dolled up.  Take selfies.  I promise, when you see HOW GREAT you look, you’ll realize your view is skewed.⠀
⠀
#troopselflove
🛍 When you shop these days: are you looking for 🛍 When you shop these days: are you looking for a deal? Or investing a little more in staple pieces? 🛍⠀
⠀
I go through stages of one or the other, but lately? I’m all about investment pieces.⠀
⠀
🛍Lucky for you, I’ve got a way to meet ALLLLLL your needs and check both boxes: a killer deal on staple investment pieces!⠀
⠀
🛍This is my first time trying @universalstandard after hearing RAVEEEEEEE reviews.  This is the most size inclusive brand on the market, and I have to be honest, I’m ready for more.⠀
⠀
<universal standard partner>⠀
⠀
🛍Today I’m sharing the limited edition mystery box.  Every year Universal Standard has a unique sale.  For 7 days, you can buy up to 3 mystery boxes (at a variety of price points depending on what type of items you’d like to receive). You’ll be sent a survey so that their team can analyze your style and needs…..and then? Your curated items will be on the way to YOU.  These boxes are the best deal you’ll see on Universal Standard items all year (I’m ordering two…….a tops only box and a luxe outfitting box).⠀
⠀
🛍And the best part? I GOT Y’ALL A DISCOUNT CODE! Use lipglossandcrayons10 to get an additional 10 percent off any and all mystery boxes.⠀
⠀
🛍If you’ve been wanting to try this brand, or you’re already one of their superfans…….this is the time to get a few more staple pieces for your closet. #universalstandard⠀
⠀
⠀
  • Collaborate
  • Speaking
  • Contact Carly
  • PRESS
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fashion
  • Body Positivity
  • Girl Power
  • SD Life
  • Disney
  • Travel
  • Highlights

© 2019 LIPGLOSS AND CRAYONS  |  SITE DESIGN: MLL DESIGN STUDIO  & FUZE BRANDING